Issue link: http://georgiancollege.uberflip.com/i/1226064
"When I saw the email invitation from Georgian College in my inbox, I thought it was a hoax," laughed Jessica Kipis, a business division cost analyst at Honda of Canada Mfg. Eight years after graduating with her business administration diploma from Georgian, Jessica had no idea that her alma mater even knew how to contact her. Yet there it was: a friendly email inviting her to attend a special presentation at Georgian's Barrie campus. On May 30, 2019, Tom Lake, Executive Vice President of Honda and Vice Chair of Honda Canada Foundation, and Georgian President and CEO MaryLynn West-Moynes announced a ground-breaking $1.8-million partnership. The five-year agreement includes funding for leading-edge equipment benefiting 30 program areas and 3,000 diploma and degree students at Georgian's Barrie and Owen Sound campuses, along with support for programs, scholarships, and research and development. For Honda, the cash and in-kind donation represents a unique opportunity to harness the innovation and creativity of the community's next-generation leaders. "Simcoe County is home to a vibrant manufacturing industry," explains Tom. "Through our support, we hope to shine a spotlight on the many opportunities close to home for Georgian graduates." His message resonated strongly with Jessica. As a Georgian College accounting major, she dreamed of one day working in downtown Toronto at one of the "Big Six" accounting firms, but she quickly began to realize that there are other pathways to success. When a controller job opened up at Honda's Alliston office in 2017, she jumped at it. "I had just completed my CPA [Certified Professional Accountant] designation and was ready for something new. Honda was offering an amazing experience with lots of opportunities, room for growth and a great work- life balance," she says. Plus there was the added benefit that many of her Honda colleagues were familiar faces. Jessica's father has been a Honda team member for 23 years. Hearing the news of her employer's generous investment in her alma mater, she says, only reinforced her belief that she chose the right path. "Beyond the practical benefits, I hope this donation sends a message to students that it took me years to learn — the best jobs are sometimes right in your own backyard." On Nov. 21, 2019, Georgian honoured this commitment with a space dedication ceremony for the new Honda Student Commons, and the Honda Canada Foundation Dream Lounge - both located in the Peter B. Moore Advanced Technology Centre. SOMETIMES, THE BEST JOBS ARE IN YOUR OWN BACK YARD Jessica Kipis – Business Administration, Accounting, class of 2011 21 GEORGIANVIEW 2019-20 WINTER